CurrentReport Blog The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has strongly dismissed the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Forum describes the accusations as a politically motivated plot by opposition parties aimed at destabilizing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the APC Forum, accused the protesters supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to incite unrest and chaos in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He warned that the protesters, who gathered at the National Assembly demanding Akpabio’s resignation, were mobilized to cause disruption for political purposes.
The protesters carried banners reading “Akpabio Must Go” and “Protect Women’s Rights,” calling for an investigation into the sexual harassment claims against Akpabio. However, the APC Forum alleges that the protests are part of an opposition strategy to undermine the National Assembly and derail the successful working relationship between the executive and legislature under President Tinubu’s administration.
The Forum issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the protesters to vacate the streets of the FCT or face counteraction. It further emphasized that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), should remain alert to prevent any disruption of peace in the capital.
In defending Akpabio, the APC Forum insists there is no concrete evidence supporting the allegations of sexual harassment and questioned why Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan only raised the issue after facing investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for breaching Senate rules.
The APC Forum also criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly attempting to destabilize the Senate for personal political gain. The Forum emphasized that while Akpoti-Uduaghan hails from the North-Central region, her actions do not reflect the interests of the region, as they believe her motives are driven by selfish political aspirations rather than the advancement of national interests.
Earlier, Senate President Akpabio denied the sexual harassment allegations, asserting that he has never harassed any woman. The Senate, at the time, had declined to launch an investigation due to the absence of a formal petition.
As the controversy continues, the APC Forum urged all party members and well-meaning Nigerians to resist any attempt to disrupt the National Assembly and destabilize the government. They also called for unity and support for Senate President Akpabio’s leadership to ensure the success of President Tinubu’s reforms.
